Season of returnings

This weekend I returned to a parish I left ten years ago.  It had been a tough assignment, for them, I suspect,  as much as for me.  Of course a lot has happened in ten years.  Of course a lot has not changed at all.  The tough part is understanding which are the meaningful bits, and what is chaff.  I admit I was not looking forward to going.  I admit I am glad I went.

On occasion

It is good to return

To the scene,

To see if what I remember

Still is.

Even to wonder if

It ever was

As I remember.

It is good

To return to the scene,

See people from the outside

In,

Rather than from the inside

Out.

I am in the season

Of returnings.

I return to the scene,

Notice what has changed,

Notice

What has not changed

At all.